Butternut Squash Bisque With Vermont Maple Syrup Recipes

CHEF JOHN'S BUTTERNUT BISQUE

Steps:

• Melt butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and a large pinch of salt. Cook and stir until onions have softened but not taken on any color, about 10 or 15 minutes.
• Cut off ends of squash. Carefully cut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler. Cut into chunks.
• Raise heat under pot to medium-high. Stir in tomato paste; cook and stir until mixture begins to caramelize and turn brown, about 2 minutes. Add squash, chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until squash is very tender, 15 to 25 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Blend with an immersion blender until very smooth. Stir in cream and maple syrup; add more salt if needed.
• Ladle into serving bowls. Garnish with a swirl of cream, and a sprinkle of chives and pomegranate seeds.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BOURBON BISQUE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• With a sharp knife, prick the squash in several places to allow steam to escape while it cooks
• (otherwise it could burst). Place the squash in a baking dish lined with foil and roast for about 90 minutes, until the squash is soft when you push on it. Let cool for 30 minutes, so it=s easier to handle, then peel, seed, and remove strings. Cut the roasted squash into 1/2-inch pieces, or scoop meat out with a spoon.
• In a heavy soup kettle, heat the olive oil and add the onions. Cook until light golden brown and add the leeks and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes and add the garlic and ginger. When the garlic is fragrant, add the maple syrup, soy sauce, bourbon, sherry and nutmeg. Add the squash and stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook gently for 15 minutes.
• Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender), puree the soup until very smooth. Add the evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes; do not bring to a boil. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Serve in soup plates.
• If you like, garnish this soup with garlic and Parmesan cheese croutons and a dollop of non fat sour cream.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss squash with 2 tablespoons oil, salt and pepper; divide between 2 ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Roast 35-45 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through baking., In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic and, if desired, pepper flakes; cook and stir 1 minute. Add leeks; cook and stir 3-4 minutes longer or until tender. Stir in maple syrup; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2-3 minutes or until syrup is slightly reduced., Place squash in a large bowl. Add red peppers and leek mixture; toss to combine.

MAPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place cut side down in a microwave-safe dish; add 1/2 in. of hot water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 12-14 minutes or until crisp-tender. , Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the syrup, raisins, butter, cardamom and allspice; set aside. When squash is cool enough to handle, remove rind and cut into 1-in. pieces. Place in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Drizzle with syrup mixture. , Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until squash is tender. Serve with a slotted spoon.